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James Crawley writes

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We take cup spirit into the Championship - Holden

Thursday, January 25th 2018

City's focus returns to the Sky Bet Championship following the end of an incredible Carabao Cup run.

Former Bristol Rovers player and boss Ian Holloway brings his Queens Park Rangers to Ashton Gate on Saturday (3pm kick-off); City's first opponents after the conclusive semi-final second leg encounter with Manchester City.

And Dean Holden has spoken of how the inspired cup run - including four consecutive wins against Premier League teams - has created a special spirit among the camp.

Following Tuesday night's clash with Pep Guardiola's side, the Robins squad has focused on recovery sessions, before getting stuck into their pre-QPR training schedule.

Assistant head coach Holden told BCTV: "Going as far back as the first round against Plymouth Argyle, we have used many players in the squad. We've beaten four Premier League teams and have gone to-to-toe with the best team in Europe (Manchester City).

"Ultimately we've been knocked out by two late goals.

"The lads, for the way they have approached every game in the competition, deserve a lot of credit. The club and our fans have been talked about on a global scale, which has been great.

"Being from Manchester myself I know a lot of (Manchester) City fans have talked about the semi-final first leg (2-1) and they said they hadn't felt an atmosphere like that at the Etihad Stadium for quite a few years."